Complete guide: exemptions, means test income limits, filing costs, and real case outcome data for Pennsylvania.
Federal Exemptions Available
Filers in Pennsylvania can choose between state and federal bankruptcy exemptions. Compare both sets carefully -- the federal wildcard exemption (up to $14,875) may protect more personal property, while Pennsylvania state exemptions may offer stronger homestead protection.
Protects equity in your primary residence. Amounts vary by state. Check Pennsylvania homestead exemption amounts.
Protects equity in your car. Most states protect $2,000 to $7,500. See vehicle exemption details.
401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions are generally fully exempt in bankruptcy. See retirement exemptions.
Applies to any property. Not all states offer this. See wildcard exemptions.
If your household income is at or below these thresholds, you pass Part 1 of the means test and likely qualify for Chapter 7.
| Household Size | Annual Threshold | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $62,517 | $5,210 |
| 2 persons | $81,272 | $6,773 |
| 3 persons | $95,026 | $7,919 |
| 4 persons | $110,655 | $9,221 |
| 5 persons | $120,555 | $10,046 |
| 6 persons | $130,455 | $10,871 |
For each additional person above 4, add approximately $9,900 to the 4-person figure.
Enter your income and household size for an instant result.
Means Test Calculator Discharge ScreenerData from the Federal Judicial Center (FJC), covering 1,513 consumer bankruptcy cases filed in Pennsylvania.
| Chapter | Cases Filed | Discharge Rate | Dismissal Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | 415 | Insufficient data | Insufficient data |
| Chapter 13 | 1,098 | Insufficient data | Insufficient data |
27.4% of consumer filings
72.6% of consumer filings
Discharge and dismissal rates reflect resolved cases only. Pending cases are excluded. Source: FJC Integrated Database.
Pennsylvania has 3 federal bankruptcy districts. The district where you file depends on where you have lived for the greater part of the last 180 days. Each district may have different local rules, no-look fee amounts, and trustee practices.
Chapter 7 filing fee: $338. Chapter 13: $313. Fee waivers are available for filers below 150% of the poverty line. Installment payments available for all filers. Full cost breakdown.
The court filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338 and Chapter 13 is $313. Attorney fees in Pennsylvania typically range from $1,000 to $3,500 for Chapter 7 and $2,500 to $5,000 for Chapter 13. You can also file without an attorney (pro se) and request to pay the filing fee in installments.
The means test compares your household income to Pennsylvania's median. For a single person, the current threshold is approximately $62,517 per year. For a family of four, it is approximately $110,655. If your income is below the median for your household size, you pass Part 1 of the means test.
Yes. Pennsylvania allows you to choose between state exemptions and federal bankruptcy exemptions under 11 U.S.C. Section 522(d). You must pick one complete set -- you cannot mix individual exemptions from both. Compare homestead, vehicle, and wildcard amounts under each system before deciding.
Chapter 7 stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. However, many people begin rebuilding credit within 1-2 years of discharge and can qualify for a mortgage within 2-4 years.
Yes, but there are waiting periods between discharges. Chapter 7 to Chapter 7: 8 years. Chapter 7 to Chapter 13: 4 years. Chapter 13 to Chapter 13: 2 years. Chapter 13 to Chapter 7: 6 years (unless you paid 100% or 70%+ with good faith). Use the free discharge eligibility screener to check your dates.
Pennsylvania has 3 federal bankruptcy districts. You file in the district where you have lived for the greater part of the last 180 days. If you recently moved, the 180-day rule may require filing in your previous district. Check local court websites for county-to-district lookups.
Most debts are dischargeable, but exceptions include most student loans (unless you prove undue hardship), child support and alimony, recent tax debts (generally last 3 years), debts from fraud or willful injury, DUI-related debts, and criminal fines. See nondischargeable.org for the full list.
From the Open Bankruptcy Project -- free information, no strings.
Discharge Screener Means Test Calculator